Wade has $30+ million wiggle room this winter

It’s not exactly a blank check, but Ed Wade must be sharpening his pencil for some winter wheeling and dealing. It’s been over a decade since a Houston general manager had as much latitude as Wade may have over the coming months.

With commitments to only four players — yes, there are several arbitration eligible — Wade will have more than just a little wiggle room as he pieces together next year’s version of the Astros.

Even factoring in about $20-$25 million for those under-team-control arbitration-eligible players, Wade still has over $30 million, assuming a low-end $90 million budget for 2011. I smell either a free agent signing and/or a multi-year deal for at least one of the players named Pence, Bourn or Rodriguez.

In all, eight players could enter arbitration for the Astros, although it’s possible Houston will non-tender one or more.

Wandy Rodriguez (year 3), Hunter Pence (2) and Michael Bourn (2) stand to make the biggest raises. Even if they break the bank, you can expect them to earn a combined $20 million in 2011.

Even taking into account a possible $7 million owed to Roy Oswalt next season, the Astros still have plenty of maneuverability.

All told, that means virtually half of the roster will come in at under $60 million. Add in players like J.A. Happ, Bud Norris, Brett Wallace, Chris Johnson, Tommy Manzella/Angel Sanchez and Jason Castro at or near the minimum and Wade must be salivating.

Shop well, Mr. Wade.

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Ex-Astros in Playoffs

Player

Team

Billy Wagner

Braves

Brooks Conrad

Braves

Lance Berkman

Yankees

Andy Pettitte

Yankees

Ben Zobrist

Rays

Dan Wheeler

Rays

Chad Qualls

Rays

Roy Oswalt

Phillies

Brad Lidge

Phillies

Darren Oliver

Rangers

Aubrey Huff

Giants

The Astros are going to the playoffs! Okay, I left out the word “former”.

Odd, but a few of these guys played in the Astros’ only World Series a few years back. So, as the playoffs begin Wednesday, here a few questions about those former Astros who didn’t go home after Sunday’s games.

 Which of the former Astros are you most cheering for to win a World Series ring?

 Which player on the list would you most like to have back as a member of the 2011 Astros?

 Which one has the best opportunity to be an MVP in either the Championship Series or the World Series?